Again (Time for Love Book 3) Read online

“We were right here,” she joked.

  Their conversation turned flirtatious. Connor sat a tad closer than before, their knees touching. And gosh, she wanted to lean over and kiss him. When Connor twirled a strand of her hair around his fingers while talking about his favourite café in Paris, she had to force herself to breathe.

  Her ease at keeping up with him surprised her, though. It had been a while since she’d flirted with someone, and she had to admit it was doing something to her. She was getting hot. Real hot. Was it the alcohol?

  No. She knew it was Connor. She’d never wanted to pash someone so badly in her life.

  They were distracted by loud goodbyes coming from one of Connor’s buddies and two of Lori’s friends. The three—who were dirty dancing earlier on—were leaving the room. Together.

  Connor snickered as he waved goodbye to the trio.

  Amanda blushed. It was obvious what those three planned to do. She glanced at her cousin and found her still kissing the same man. Only this time, it had become a full-on make-out session. Holy crap. They were smoking.

  Suddenly, she needed to escape. The atmosphere around them was becoming way too scorching. She was getting so moist it was embarrassing. Truth was, she had no idea how to handle it.

  “Connor, I think I’ll head off now,” she said softly, placing her glass on the coffee table.

  “Oh, are you sure?” Connor asked, looking and sounding disappointed.

  She smiled. It was flattering that this hunk of a man was enjoying her company. “I’m staying in this hotel,” she found herself saying.

  Great. Now that she was about to go, her nerves had decided to re-appear. When she was nervy, she was prone to unfiltered blabbing.

  “Do you need someone to walk you?” Connor asked teasingly. “Make sure you get there safely?”

  “Maybe it’s best,” she said in the same teasing tone, not wanting to appear flustered.

  Amanda thought about saying goodbye to Lori, but she didn’t think her cousin would appreciate her interrupting whatever she was doing with that man. So she grabbed her purse and walked out with Connor.

  *

  Amanda fumbled for her room key in her purse. She half-hoped that she’d find it missing, just so she didn’t have to say goodbye to Connor yet. Unfortunately, her handbag was small, and the key was easy to find.

  She looked up at him with a smile, preparing to thank him for a great night, when her breath caught in her throat. Whoa, if she wasn’t mistaken, that look in Connor’s eyes was... want. He wanted her? She got her confirmation when Connor’s mouth descended on hers, instantly passionate.

  All thoughts flew from Amanda’s mind as her body rapidly took over. All she could do was feel—feel the fierce need that erupted inside her like a raging fire on dry tinder. In no time, she was helplessly clinging to Connor, returning his kiss as fervently as he was giving it.

  “Key, Amanda,” Connor mumbled against her lips as he groped for the room key in her hand. He opened the door, taking her with him. The next few seconds were a whirl, because the next thing she knew, she was on the bed and Connor was on top of her.

  “Amanda,” he breathed, kissing her neck and kneading a breast.

  Oh, God, what was she doing? Was a stranger really in her room? And was he really running his thumb on her nipples?

  Someone moaned. She did. Lustily.

  Heavens above.

  Connor’s hand was now inching its way up her thigh.

  Amanda, do you really want this? a cautious voice in her head asked.

  Yes.

  That answer opened the floodgates. Suddenly, she needed to be naked. She needed Connor to be naked. She reached for his shirt buttons, impatiently undoing them with shaking fingers.

  A part of her wanted to slow down. To give herself time to think about this. But she was beyond thought. Perhaps the alcohol and the pervasive sexual tension in the party were to blame. Because for the first time, she found herself wanting—no, dying—to have sex with someone she hardly knew.

  Her body throbbed with intense desire like it never had before. It was heady, all-consuming, irresistible. And right that moment, only Connor could assuage it.

  They undressed each other, hands and mouths everywhere they exposed new skin. When Connor pulled down her undies, she was panting hard, ready to come. Oh Lord, she’d never been this aroused in all her life.

  “So wet,” she heard Connor whisper before she felt his tongue on her soaked opening. Her hips bucked on the bed as she cried out his name, a loud moan escaping unbidden when he greedily licked her swollen nub. “Oh God, Connor, please take me now,” she gasped.

  Connor groaned, leaving her to grab his jeans and pulling something from the pocket. In a quick moment, he was back, condom in place.

  He positioned himself between her legs, kissing her hungrily.

  She gasped as she welcomed him, hard and thick inside her. Connor drove in, slowly at first, watching her with his mouth agape and his eyes hooded in lust. She was sure her expression mirrored his.

  When he was all in he paused, not moving, just looking into her eyes with... wonder and awe? Or was she just projecting what she was feeling?

  “Connor,” she whispered with need, wrapping her legs around him to encourage him to move. It was incredible to be filled and stretched deliciously by him. But it wasn’t enough.

  “So good,” he said through gritted teeth before he started to thrust.

  Amanda surrendered herself to the sensations of Connor moving in and out of her, lost in the sheer pleasure of it all. All too soon her climax loomed. She wanted to prolong the moment, but it was too late. She came, and came, gasping and trembling underneath Connor who was driving into her with abandon.

  “Amanda!” Connor cried as he followed her in ecstasy, grunting his release.

  ❈❈❈❈❈

  “Enough, Amanda,” she murmured, forcing herself to shut off the replay in her head and return to the here and now. If she didn’t, she’d be further lost in the memory of how Connor had gone to his room to get some more condoms, and how they’d used them all. She’d been so deliciously sore the next day.

  Yes, the next day...

  That was what she should be remembering—the hurtful low after the incredible high.

  A frustrated scream wanted to come out of her, but she forced it back. She still burned from embarrassment and humiliation from the whole damned thing.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Connor took deep breaths as he walked away from Amanda.

  “Well, I’m glad she didn’t want to talk,” he muttered to himself. “Suits me just fine.”

  He raked his hair again, his agitation not lessening. What was it about that woman that stirred him up? He hated his reaction to her. He didn’t like it one bit.

  He scowled at the path ahead as vivid memories of that weekend popped into his head yet again. Since having the shock of his life at seeing Amanda at Zach’s engagement party last night, his mind had suddenly become so good at reliving details...

  ❈❈❈❈❈

  “Who’s that?” Connor asked his colleague Lucas as he stared at the woman by the door. She was clearly ready to party in a very short, tight-fitting dress that highlighted her impressive cleavage.

  “Hey, maybe the guys ordered a stripper for you,” Lucas said excitedly.

  “They couldn’t have. I’m sure the hotel won’t allow that.”

  “We’re in a private room. I’m sure they won’t care what happens in here, as long as we don’t become a bother to the other guests,” Lucas said. “Oh look! There’s more than one!”

  Connor watched with interest as seven attractive women entered the room. His curiosity was answered when one of his buddies told him that the girls had asked to be invited in. They weren’t strippers—just gatecrashers.

  “Well, Connor,” Lucas said to him with smug grin, “since this is your farewell party, I’ll let you pick first.”

  Connor laughed. “What makes you think an
y one of those pretty ladies would pick you over me?” he joked.

  Lucas faced him fully. “I accept the challenge.”

  “What challenge?” he asked, even though he knew full well what Lucas had in mind.

  Lucas rubbed his chin as he scrutinised the girls. “Those women seem to be up for anything. How about we ask them to play with us? Then we ask them to decide who gave the better fuck—you or me.”

  “Nah,” Connor said, shaking his head.

  “Why not? Afraid of a little competition?” Lucas asked, smirking. “You know I won’t give up until I get that title, don’t you?”

  “Lucas, you want it, it’s yours. Take it. Please. I don’t want it.”

  “No, no, no, Connor. I won’t take it if I haven’t earned it. It’s a matter of pride.”

  “Or of ego,” he retorted.

  “Come on, man. This should be fun. If the girls find you’re better, you deservedly keep your title. If they have more powerful orgasms with me, I take it off you. Let’s settle this once and for all.”

  Connor raised an eyebrow as an idea flashed in his mind. Settling it once and for all sounded good to him. If he allowed himself to lose to Lucas, he’d finally get rid of that title he’d never wanted.

  He liked Lucas even though the guy was one of the most juvenile people he'd ever met. What Lucas lacked in emotional maturity, he made up for with skills as a mechanic.

  A friendly but strong rivalry had developed between them ever since Lucas had joined the team six months ago. They were both excellent at their jobs and were head to head on who was better. Since Connor had now left the team, Lucas had become the clear successor for chief mechanic.

  But there was one thing that Lucas was keen to win off Connor most of all: the title that was bestowed on him in jest by a couple of his co-workers five years ago—Mr. Fuck King. Unfortunately, it had stuck and he couldn’t seem to get rid of it.

  “Let me get this clear,” Connor said. “The girls will judge who’s better in bed.”

  “Yes,” Lucas confirmed.

  “What if the one you sleep with decides she likes you so much that she doesn’t want to sleep with me at all?”

  Lucas laughed. “Then I guess I win in that case.”

  Connor pretended to think about it. “Okay. You’re on.”

  “All right!” Lucas cheered.

  They were interrupted by a brunette with short hair and huge boobs. “Hello, boys. What does a girl have to do to get a drink around here?” she asked, batting her long, fake eyelashes.

  “Come with me,” Lucas said with a grin, escorting the woman away and winking at Connor.

  Connor shook his head. He’d be very glad when Lucas was finally crowned the new Mr. Fuck King.

  It was a ridiculous, stupid title, and Connor hated it. It made him sound like a lothario, which he most definitely was not. It just so happened that he was consistently the most popular with the women. Compared with the other guys, he’d had better success in getting himself a date wherever they were in the world. That was all.

  It wasn’t that he preferred to indulge in no-strings-attached sex. With his work in Formula One involving constant travelling, he’d found it extremely difficult to develop a committed relationship. Being away all the time, plus having a title like Mr. Fuck King, had made it next to impossible to convince the women he'd been interested in that he was serious about them. Even when his friends had zipped their mouths, his title had already spread in the Formula One circuit, and the girls had invariably heard about it through the grapevine.

  Casual-only encounters weren’t his first choice, but for the last seven years, they were what he had to settle for. Well, maybe now that he’d decided to stay put in Australia and set up a car servicing business, it would be easier to date more seriously.

  He surveyed the room in amusement. It didn’t take long for some of the men—the usual suspects—to flirt with the sexy gatecrashers. Some couples—and a trio—were heating up the room with their antics. Hell, judging by their behaviour, those women must have plans on getting laid before the night ended. Well, they were in the right room. His buddies looked like they couldn’t wait to help the girls with that particular goal.

  His gaze landed on one of the gatecrashers—an auburn-haired beauty who stood in one corner, observing the goings-on. She smiled politely at some of the guys who walked past her, while taking little sips of her wine.

  He cocked his head, his curiosity piqued. This one didn’t seem to fit in the picture painted by her group of friends. For starters, she was wearing dark skinny jeans, a dressy top and high heels—a classy, casual ensemble, but a far cry from the eye-poppingly revealing outfits her girlfriends wore.

  She didn’t seem too shy—if her eye contact with the people she greeted were anything to go by—but he had a feeling she felt a bit out of place. Intrigued, he went to the bar, got another glass, and approached her.

  “Hi,” he said.

  She turned around, her brown eyes widening and mouth parting.

  His effect on her was obvious. He was glad, because she elicited the same response from him. She was even more attractive up close.

  “I’m Connor,” he said, extending his hand.

  “Hi, Connor. Pleased to meet you. I’m Amanda.”

  He was surprised at her firm handshake and confident tone. No, she definitely didn’t seem shy. Just... well... out of place.

  “Thanks for coming and making my party more interesting,” he said.

  “Oh, this is your party?” she asked, her face the picture of cute surprise.

  “Yeah. Most of us here work for that Formula One team,” he explained, gesturing to his team’s logo. “Well, I used to, because yesterday was my last day on the job. This is my farewell party.”

  “Oh, right. What work did you do?”

  “Mechanic.”

  “Wow. I watched the race yesterday. It was great.”

  His brows rose. “Did you? Where were you sitting?”

  He led Amanda to the nearby couch as she told him how much she’d enjoyed yesterday’s race. Turned out her brother was a fan and a car buff. Before long, they were exchanging stories that revolved around racing, cars, and travel. He was having fun, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her face.

  She took another sip of her wine and he noticed that she’d finished it. He looked for the server who was walking around a while ago filling up people’s glasses, but she was nowhere to be found.

  “Can I get you another drink?” he asked, reluctant to leave her side but knowing he had to be a good host. She was now one of his guests, after all.

  “Um. Sure.”

  He walked to the bar and shook his head at the sight of Lucas sitting on a chair. The woman who’d approached them earlier was on his lap, her short dress hitched up so high that anyone could almost see her panties. And it looked like she was moving her ass, no doubt against Lucas’ erection.

  It was kind of hot to watch, but he had absolutely no interest in that woman. He prayed that Lucas had forgotten about the challenge he’d issued earlier. Lucas could be such an annoying bastard that it wouldn’t surprise him if he went on and on about it for days to come.

  Sighing, he ordered two more glasses of wine.

  He was hurrying back to Amanda when someone grabbed his arm.

  “Hi! You’re Connor right? I heard this is your party,” said the blonde.

  “Yes.”

  “Thanks for having us,” she said.

  “Thanks for crashing,” he replied with a polite smile.

  Miss Blonde giggled. “You’re funny.” She ran her hand on his arm before letting it stray to his chest. “Shouldn’t the party boy have more fun than his guests?” Miss Blonde asked, tugging at his shirt button.

  “I’m having fun,” he said, glancing at Amanda. Good. She was still where he’d left her. “Excuse me, I have to go,” he said to the woman. “You know who could do with some more fun?” He pointed to one of his workmates. “He’s shy,
but I’m sure he’d appreciate some attention.”

  Miss Blonde eyed the guy he’d pointed out. “Ooh, I love the shy types. It so much fun getting them all worked up,” she said, before walking off.

  Connor rolled his eyes, relieved. Another playgirl. He was tired of playing. He’d been sick of it for a while now.

  “Here you are, beautiful,” he said to Amanda when he got back to her.

  Amanda seemed surprised before her face lit up with a pretty smile.

  He settled himself beside her, making sure he was closer this time. Hell, he might not be interested in any of the other women getting it on with his friends, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t affected by the heavy sexual tension in the room. He was getting horny, and there was one woman he particularly wanted to be with tonight.

  “So where were we?” he asked, casually draping an arm on the back of the couch.

  “We were right here,” she said with an adorable, teasing smile.

  They resumed their conversation, and he wasn’t surprised that it had turned flirty. Clearly he had chemistry with Amanda.

  Itching to touch her, he reached for a strand of her hair. He was sorely tempted to lean over and kiss her, but he held himself back. Not yet. He didn’t want to do something she wasn’t asking for.

  A loud yelling made the both of them look up. “Goodnight, everyone! Have a fucking fantastic night!”

  Connor snickered. One of his buddies was just about to have that kind of night with not one, but two women. Well, he didn’t need two. He only wanted one—the one sitting beside him.

  “Connor, I think I’ll head off now,” Amanda said, getting ready to leave.

  “Oh, are you sure?” he asked, trying not show his disappointment. That was it? She was leaving and that was that?

  “I’m staying in this hotel,” Amanda said.

  He stopped breathing. Did that mean what he hoped it meant?

  “Do you need someone to walk you?” he asked in a teasing tone, not wanting to appear desperate. “Make sure you get there safely?”

  “Maybe it’s best,” Amanda replied, smiling.

  He grinned, excited as hell.

  ❈❈❈❈❈

  “Stop it, idiot,” Connor muttered, jabbing his forehead with a finger to press the stop button of his memory player. He looked around, made sure that no one from the group further up in the vineyard was looking at him, then discreetly adjusted his jeans. Memories of that hot one-night stand with Amanda never failed to make him hard. Achingly hard. Damn it.